Once the sun goes down, air temperatures will dip as well. Forecasters predict overnight temperatures below freezing. Crews working for the Washington State Department of Transportation are preparing for winter driving and drivers should too.

“Anything that is wet will freeze up,” said Dave McCormick, regional maintenance manager for the Washington State Department of Transportation. “If you don’t feel confident driving in these conditions, then we would advise you make other plans to get to your destination or stay home.”

Snow moved in mid-day and hit the greater Seattle area. Several ramps were closed to clear collisions including northbound James and Madison streets. Snow fell hard in the afternoon in Burien and Kent and there were multiple disabled vehicles on SR 518.

“This is our first big lowland snow of the season,” said McCormick. “We need drivers to check the forecast, check the roads, and check their experience level as they make their decisions.” Buses will be on holiday schedules and possible snow routes if conditions change.

The Washington State Department of Transportation has all available trucks and equipment on state highways and interstates overnight in the greater Seattle / Bellevue area. When it freezes tonight, the primary tool is anti-icer. But when snow showers come through, crews will use plows, anti-icer, de-icer, sand and salt to treat the roads.

Statewide snow

For travelers or non-travelers, that means it’s decision time. Staying in? Have a full tank of gas, just in case. Going out? Pack tire chains and a winter car kit and drive for conditions. Those traveling to ski resorts for the long weekend should expect additional delays, with backups common when the snow hits.

Weather forecasts show a storm system moving in with snow and icy conditions expected through Tuesday. Snow showers are expected to be especially heavy in the mountains.

“Maintenance crews are keeping a close eye on the changing weather and have plows and sanders stocked and ready,” said Chris Christopher, director of Maintenance Operations for Washington State Department of Transportation. “But we really need drivers’ help to plan their route. If you travel, be ready for snow and ice even if the sun’s out in your neighborhood. The conditions could change rapidly and the conditions you see out your window could be dramatically different 10 miles down the road.”

Travelers can prevent additional delays by driving for conditions. Collisions caused by drivers who are going to fast unprepared for winter weather cause delays for everyone.

Drivers can prepare for snow and ice by checking travel and roadway conditions on the WSDOT website and packing their winter weather supplies, including tire chains.

Know before you go

• WSDOT offers several ways to get up-to-date weather, traffic and construction information before hitting the road.
• Carry chains and know the traction and chain requirements.

• Call 511. WSDOT’s driver information phone line provides real-time traffic, incident and closure information. Out-of-state callers can dial 1-800-695-ROAD (7623). TTY users can call 1-800-833-6388.
• Sign up for email updates and social media tools such as Facebook.
• Follow us on Twitter @wsdot, @wsdot_traffic, @wsdot_passes, @wsdot_tacoma, @SnoqualmiePass.

On the road

• Overhead and roadside electronic signs provide emergency and incident alerts and point-to-point travel times in some Seattle-area locations during rush hours. Use roadside travel time signs to help judge the time to reach your destination.
• Highway advisory radios allow drivers to hear updates when the flashing lights along the highway are activated. Program 530 AM and 1610 AM on your radio before you leave and tune in when signs are flashing.
• Ask a passenger to use one of the many Mobile Applications available.

 

Hyperlinks within the news release:

• WSDOT Puget Sound traffic www.wsdot.wa.gov/traffic/seattle/
• WSDOT weather page www.wsdot.com/traffic/weather/
• WSDOT winter weather driving information www.wsdot.wa.gov/winter
• WSDOT online tools www.wsdot.wa.gov/traffic
• WSDOT social media and mobile apps www.wsdot.wa.gov/Inform
• King County Metro metro.kingcounty.gov/